Introduction to Procurement and Strategic Role in Supply Chain

•       Procurement’s role in supply chain performance
•       Tactical vs. strategic procurement
•       Value creation through sourcing
•       ASCM procurement model overview
•       Introduction to sourcing strategy framework

Developing a Strategic Sourcing Strategy

•       Components of sourcing strategy
•       Aligning sourcing with corporate goals
•       Cost vs. value approach in procurement
•       Make vs. buy decisions
•       Supplier segmentation and portfolio management (e.g., Kraljic Matrix)

Establishing Effective Procurement Policies

•       Elements of a procurement policy framework
•       Standard operating procedures for sourcing
•       Approval workflows and role-based procurement
•       Ensuring compliance and risk mitigation
•       Policy enforcement and audit trails

Supplier Selection and Evaluation

•       Creating supplier selection scorecards
•       Weighted scoring, RFI/RFP processes
•       Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) considerations
•       Onboarding and due diligence process
•       Supplier risk evaluation (financial, quality, ethical)

Negotiation & Contract Management

•       Contract lifecycle stages
•       Preparing for and leading supplier negotiations
•       Structuring commercial terms, SLAs, KPIs
•       Managing contract performance and penalties
•       Legal compliance and dispute resolution

Purchase Order Lifecycle Management

•       PR to PO flow: initiating, approving, and issuing POs
•       Order confirmation and delivery coordination
•       Expediting and exception handling
•       Invoice matching and close-out procedures
•       Electronic P2P systems and automation tools

Supplier Performance and Procurement Analytics

•       Metrics for tracking supplier performance (OTIF, quality, responsiveness)
•       Spend analysis and procurement dashboards
•       Root cause analysis for underperformance
•       Scorecard review and supplier development plans
•       Benchmarking procurement efficiency

Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing

•       Ethical sourcing principles (e.g., anti-bribery, fair labor)
•       Environmental and social governance (ESG) compliance
•       Sustainable procurement practices and green buying
•       Supplier code of conduct and certifications
•       Auditing and transparency measures

Digital Transformation in Procurement

•       Digitizing procurement: AI, blockchain, e-auctions
•       Procurement’s role in risk management and business continuity
•       Cross-functional collaboration (with finance, legal, operations)
•       Category management and procurement innovation
•       Preparing for the future of procurement

Exam Preparation and Mock Test

•       ASCM Procurement Certificate exam format and domains
•       Time management and test-taking strategies
•       Sample questions and scenario-based exercises
•       Full-length mock exam.
•       Final Q&A and personalized study plans